Q&A with Whereivebeen.com

Editor’s Note: We ran across the site whereivebeen.com a few months ago, and were impressed. So we asked Katy Lynch, the community manager at WIB, to answer a few questions about the site. She was kind enough to reply.

Viator: So what’s the deal with whereivebeen.com?
Whereivebeen.com:  Our site is all about finding places locally, traveling globally, and sharing stories, adventures, and experiences with fellow Where I’ve Been users. Our interactive world map lets users share where they have been, lived, and want to go. Additionally, you can link up your Where I’ve Been maps, from whereivebeen.com, to other social networking sites (Facebook, Hi5, Bebo, Friendster, and Myspace).

Viator: That sounds cool. If we wanted travelers on Viator.com to get involved, how would that work?
Whereivebeen.com: Funny you ask! We’re working on launching a new travel platform and Open API, which we are all very excited about. The Open API will allow users to push travel-related content into our network, encouraging our users to plan and book their next local or global destination, whether its exploring a new coffee shop where you live or planning an around the world adventure. The new platform will allow users to search, review and find city-specific information from an aggregated content source of over 30 million global data points. Some other new features of the site include the ability for users to post questions, add comments, and receive answers from ‘expert’ users regarding specific travel destinations.

Viator: How many members do you have? What’s it take to become a member?
Whereivebeen.com: We currently have over 5 million users spread across several social networks such as Facebook, Myspace, Bebo, Friendster, Hi5, and the stand-alone site (whereivebeen.com). All it takes to become a member is a passion for travel, a love for communicating and sharing information with like-minded jet setters, and lots of patience for filling out the Countries and Cities portions of those awesome interactive maps!

Viator: Do you have a favorite member? Anybody that’s done something really off-beat / interesting / crazy?
Whereivebeen.com: Since I am the Community Manager of WIB and receive an abundance of messages from users every day, I would have to say that my personal favorite members are those who offer and suggest great travel ideas.

Viator: We’ve seen you over on Facebook and Twitter. What’s that all about?
Whereivebeen.com: Twitter is fantastic. It’s really a great tool for Where I’ve Been to keep our users and similar travel companies up-to-date on what is going on with our company. We thrive on maintaining our active community, which we already have on Facebook, so Twitter is definitely another great social networking service for Where I’ve Been members to stay connected. You can follow us on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/whereivebeen

Viator: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Whereivebeen.com: Oh gosh, that is a hard question. There are so many places I want to be! I must say I have always wanted to go to Japan. I am fascinated by all aspects of their culture – the technology, the fashion, the food, the nightlife. Some other places on my long list are South Africa, New Zealand, Russia, Egypt, and Germany.

-Scott McNeely